Need Advice Any Army Families? - Big Big Forums

Citrine · 09-30-2009, 06:43 PM

Hello, everyone,
I've posted here just a few times, but I'm hoping someone can answer a question for me.

My daughter's ex hasn't been one of the greatest fathers when it comes to child support. It's really been a struggle. Well, he's decided to enlist in the Army. Now I'm not trying to look greedy here, but can anyone tell me how my daughter can make sure that child support will be deducted from his pay? If it's left to him, I doubt she'll see much if anything.

Does the Army decide the amount or does it have to be an agreement between him and my daughter?

I should add that there is no order for support now. He gives her what he wants when he wants. Without airing too much dirty laundry, he is violent at times and sometimes it's better to be safe than worry about money.

I appreciate any advice anyone can give me. Thank you so much in advance.

Citrine

Quaker_Parrots · 09-30-2009, 07:00 PM

She needs to take his tail to court and get support set up first.

Were they married? If yes, and they still are, she may be entitled to an allotment through the military. If no, she still needs to get that judgement to get the ball rolling. Once she has the judgement, the government will automatically hold out support from his pay twice monthly, depending on how his pay is set up.

Kelsey1224 · 09-30-2009, 07:01 PM

From what I understand, the military takes child support very seriously and will make life miserable for the soldier who neglects his duty in those areas.

When I was a Navy wife (admittedly, years ago)...the amount I received as his dependent, plus the money for our child did not come out of his salary. It was an allotment paid directly to me. I had two friends who were divorced. They got alimony which was deducted from his pay. I don't remember how the children were treated.

But...your daughter really should go to court and get a child support order. I don't know how they were able to get a divorce without that settled.

Citrine · 09-30-2009, 07:24 PM

Thank you both for your responses. No, they were not married. They were engaged, but his violence put an end to everything. With the threats and the attacks, she was afraid to go to Domestic Relations -- with good cause. Sometimes you just have to decide what's more important.

I just thought maybe the Army set up support when they ask about dependents. Dealing with him is very tricky and sometimes dangerous. Yes, there has been jail time and yes, a PFA. He's been on good behavior after jail and the PFA, but it's still scary. I've asked myself millions of times how that sweet girl got tangled up with a "man" like him. I think she may be more inclined to go after an order of support once he's away. I get chills just typing this!

Quaker_Parrots · 09-30-2009, 07:29 PM

Once she gets a support order, they will enforce it. It has to go through the courts first. The military has no jurisdiction to set up support.

Citrine · 09-30-2009, 08:46 PM

Thank you. I'll pass along the information.

Vee030473 · 09-30-2009, 08:56 PM

Both have to go to DHS to set up a child support agreement.When he enlists,he takes that along with the child's birth certificate and SS card,when he ships to basic training it will be set up as part of his inprocessing. The child will be entered into the DEERS system,which means he is covered under TriCare for health care. If she wants to make sure he does right by the child,she should contact his recruiter. If you have any questions/concerns my husband will help you out,let me know and I will PM you his 800 number ( he is an active duty Army recruiter)

But if he has any domestic violations,he can not join the Army,if it falls under Lautenberg law.

msginna · 09-30-2009, 10:20 PM

Once you have an order YOU can talk to his commanding officer and tell him/her that he is not following through and believe you me.... they will give him 2 options.... pay or they will take it out and maybe his rank too! Good luck!

cabby92 · 10-01-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vee030473

Both have to go to DHS to set up a child support agreement.

In PA that is not the way it works. She can go to domestic relations and they will take it from there. She does not have to have any contact with him.

Vee030473 · 10-01-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabby92

In PA that is not the way it works. She can go to domestic relations and they will take it from there. She does not have to have any contact with him.

I didnt mean they have to go together. Example,she goes to services to get an agreement set up,then he goes,signs and takes the agreement to his recruiter,since he has a child it is required he show that he has a child support agreement in effect before he can even swear in,it is part of his enlisting.
As I said before,if he has any domestic violence charges,he can not join the military. Lautenburg law prevents anyone from having an occupation in which a weapon is part of the job. But the mistake that is often made is in the way the charges are handled,rather than being domestic violence,it is labeled incorrectly as assault.

Explorer 4x4'r · 10-01-2009, 01:36 PM

if she is on public assistance, they will do it for her.
if not, she can still use the services in her county for support enforcement.

They don't automatically take the support from the military pay.
he will have to disclose that he has dependants and there is an enforcement order.
he would have to enroll the child in DEERS and provide the registered birth certificate, SS number.

http://www.humanservices.state.pa.us...0VDfkcsA3b8TSJ
http://www.supportguidelines.com/art...art200303.html
http://www.pafamilylawyers.com/CM/Cu...veMilitary.asp